AN ambassador to the United Nations in the Asia-Pacific will host a public lecture at the University of Newcastle to discuss the impact of natural disasters on human mobility. Director of the International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL) in the Philippines Dr Edna Co will discuss the social costs of natural disasters and provide guidelines for disaster risk reduction. Dr Co has more than a decade of experience specialising in areas such as public administration, democracy and governance and said disaster preparedness requires collaboration across all levels and sectors. “In the past few months alone, we have seen several emergency situations arise across three continents, including the Thailand cave rescue and the devastating wildfires in Greece and California, following on from the Hawaiian volcanic eruption in May,” she said. “The large-scale displacement caused by disasters may sometimes lead to a migration crisis, creating significant vulnerabilities for affected communities, long term migration management challenges and a strain on humanitarian resources. “One of the key components of effective disaster management is bringing together agencies and resources to ensure effective preparation for and response to potential emergency situations. “I am looking forward to meeting with thought leaders in the region to collaborate on best practice guidelines that underpin effective disaster planning and management.” CIFAL is a global network of hubs maintained by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research that builds capacity among government authorities and society leaders on issues of sustainable development and global objectives of the UN. CIFAL Newcastle was established in 2015. UON offers several degrees co-certified by the United Nations. These include a Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk Reduction, a Master of Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development and a Master of Environmental Law. Details: Human migration and disaster management, 4pm today, Thursday August 9, room X202, NeW Space City Campus.

Ambassador to the United Nations visits University of Newcastle to discuss natural disaster management

AN ambassador to the United Nations in the Asia-Pacific will host a public lecture at the University of Newcastle to discuss the impact of natural disasters on human mobility.

Director of the International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL) in the Philippines Dr Edna Co will discuss the social costs of natural disasters and provide guidelines for disaster risk reduction.

Dr Co has more than a decade of experience specialising in areas such as public administration, democracy and governance and said disaster preparedness requires collaboration across all levels and sectors.

“In the past few months alone, we have seen several emergency situations arise across three continents, including the Thailand cave rescue and the devastating wildfires in Greece and California, following on from the Hawaiian volcanic eruption in May,” she said.

“The large-scale displacement caused by disasters may sometimes lead to a migration crisis, creating significant vulnerabilities for affected communities, long term migration management challenges and a strain on humanitarian resources.

“One of the key components of effective disaster management is bringing together agencies and resources to ensure effective preparation for and response to potential emergency situations.

“I am looking forward to meeting with thought leaders in the region to collaborate on best practice guidelines that underpin effective disaster planning and management.”

CIFAL is a global network of hubs maintained by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research that builds capacity among government authorities and society leaders on issues of sustainable development and global objectives of the UN. CIFAL Newcastle was established in 2015.

UON offers several degrees co-certified by the United Nations.

These include a Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk Reduction, a Master of Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development and a Master of Environmental Law.